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Real Property for Indiana Paralegals
Section 8 . 3 . 1

Basic and Special Zones

Jonathan Watson

The basic determinant of land use in a zoning ordinance is the type of zone, which in Indiana consist of agricultural, commercial, industrial, residential, special, or unrestricted uses, or combinations of these. While these zones are broadly identifiable simply by looking at their name, it is worthwhile considering each briefly in order to get an idea of what is permitted in each. We will consider a few of the St. Joseph County Zoning Ordinance as an example, which divides the zones within the county in St. Joseph County Zoning Ordinance, §154.025, as follows:

(A) For the purposes of accomplishing the objectives set forth in the preamble of the ordinance codified in this Chapter, the unincorporated portions of the County are organized into the following districts:

(1)      A         Agricultural District

(2)      R         Single Family District

(3)      R-2      Residential District

(4)      O/B     Office / Buffer District

(5)      O         Office District

(6)      B          Business District

(7)      C         Commercial District

(8)      L          Light Industrial District

(9)      M         Manufacturing Industrial District

(10)    PUD    Planned Unit Development

(B) The following overlay or special zoning districts are established:

(1)      HP       Historic Preservation District.

(2)      U         University District.

(3)      FP        Floodplain Regulations.

Let’s look at a few of the more typical examples of these zones.

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